Given the provision in the legislation, it doesn’t sound like this is going to change anything, any time soon.

I’m of the belief that if a person is good enough to serve his/her country and risk death, he is good enough to do it as himself and shouldn’t have to pretend to be someone other than who he is.

The House of Representatives voted Thursday night to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the controversial policy barring openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military.

The measure — an amendment to a defense policy bill — passed 234 to 194, delivering a major victory to gay rights activists who have opposed the Pentagon policy since it was enacted in 1993. It also marks the most aggressive step by Democrats in implementing President Obama‘s campaign pledge to end the policy.

The legislation includes a provision ensuring that no change would take effect until the Pentagon completes a study about its impact on troops, due to Congress Dec. 1. It also requires that the study determine that a policy change would not affect the military’s ability to fight wars or recruit soldiers.